Tag Archives: mid

Exciting new Middle School program

Bridges: Our Smarts Uniting Students and Local Seniors

This award-winning, intergenerational program is designed to promote mutual respect,
understanding and friendship between middle school students and older adults. Together,
we will complete simple, fun projects that promote shared perspectives and interesting
discussions. Prof. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence or “smarts” theory is central to the program. This theory proposes that people have eight intelligences or “smarts” in varying amounts: body, logic, music, nature, people, picture, self and word. Each week we will explore these “smarts” through activities related to nature and the Farm.

This program will run for 6 weeks at Newton Community Farm, beginning March 5th.
Fee for the General Public: $126.00, for Friend of the Farm: $113.00

For information and to register, please visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education  or contact Alison Scorer at ed*******@*****************rm.org.

NCE Debate Institute

Do you think your child would benefit from debate? Critical thinking skills cultivated by debate are important for academic success, and recent studies demonstrate that children who participate in debate programs have 30-60% increased admission rates to elite colleges. But most of all, debate is a whole lot of fun; it’s a great way for kids to meet new friends and talk about important ideas.

This summer, the NCE Debate Institute will be holding a two week workshop for students who want to try debating. NCE Instructors are all former debate champions (including three MA State Champions) with years of coaching experience. The NCE curriculum covers every aspect of debate — from public speaking, to argumentative writing, to advanced research skills. Open to all MA students. Beginners are welcome. Visit newtondebate.com for more info.

Reading/Writing Tutor Available

Former Brown and Newton South parent who has tutored several students from Brown and Newton South is currently available for some additional students. She has extensive experience as a reading and writing tutor, and currently work in the Newton Public Schools on the Newton North side of town.

Amy is available after school and early evenings for tutoring. If interested, please contact Amy McMahon at: am****@*cn.com.

Writing Tutor available

Is your student stressed out over school papers or college applications? Do you wish s/he had more one-on-one writing help? Are you looking to improve essay composition skills?

Celina Siegel,  a Newton South alum and Oberlin College student, is an adept English and writing student with a passion for editing. She has a strong track record of working with both high school students and fellow college freshmen, especially regarding persuasive analytical essays and essays for the Common Application. She can help make writing more fluid, more persuasive, and more succinct.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, feel free to email at cs*****@*****in.edu, or call 617-775-7591.

Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start dusting off those running (or walking) shoes! The 23rd annual Heartbreak Hill Road Race and Family Walk is a perfect way to shake off some of that cabin fever! The course is one mile – up and down historic Heartbreak Hill, the day before the Boston Marathon! Every runner receives an official digital-clock time, a race medallion, goody bag and a free ticket to the pre-race pasta party at Newton City Hall on Saturday, April 18th.

The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place runners in each category win a trophy! There are free games and activities organized by Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios of Wellesley and the Lasell College Special Events students. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30 am. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org. The first 500 registrations receive a free t-shirt.

April 19th, Newton City Hall

Planning for the future at the elementary level

December 2014

Dear Newton Families,

As many of you are aware, we have begun an exciting time of facilities renovation and expansion in the Newton Public Schools.  The recently renovated Carr School, which is currently housing the Angier School during its renovation, is a terrific modern facility.  We expect our Long Range Facilities Plan to continue for many years.  A key aspect of this plan is not only the rebuilding and renovation of aging buildings but also expanding their capacity to meet the needs of our growing population.  A new Angier school will open in January 2016, with Zervas to follow in September 2017.  A renovated or rebuilt Cabot is planned for January 2018.

We currently have schools that are over crowded and a few schools that will soon reach expanded capacity.  As a result, we will address the student assignment process, a task that will involve moving elementary boundary lines. We expect that the student assignment plans will be addressed in phases, in order to match the timing of the various school construction and/or renovation projects.  The initial phase for the first three schools will be addressed this year and additional phases will occur as the plan for rebuilding/renovating elementary schools continues for the next 15-20 years.

I am well aware that shifting elementary boundary lines represents a significant change.  Please keep in mind that most residences across the City will remain in their current districts.  However, our space challenges necessitate some movement.  As a result, we have created a Student Assignment Working Group, which will develop criteria for evaluating various assignment scenarios based on mapping data and other information.  A recommendation will be made to the School Committee by the end of the school year.

We fully appreciate that communication and community engagement are essential when making such changes.  In addition to providing regular updates at School Committee meetings, there will be public meetings that will focus solely on this topic.  Student assignment planning will be on the agenda when School Committee members join me at PTO meetings in each of the schools over the next few months.

Our goal is to develop a process that is thoughtful and sensitive.  We will be certain to update you over the course of the year and further information will be provided on our website.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools